In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family

SHOPIAN: Hawan Shrawan Bah, is an annual festival, being organised at Kapal Mochan Temple Deegam, Nagbal, attended and celebrated by thousands of devotees from across India, with much fanfare and religious fervour adding diversity to the multiculturalism of the district.

The festival shall be held from August 14 with the arrival of devotees from across the nation through Yatras and shall culminate on August 17. Throughout the celebrations, the devotees shall be engaged in Shradh ceremonies, holy bath in Sapth Rishi Kund and other rituals.

The ancient religious temple stands out as the only site in North India where special prayers are offered for those people who died prematurely. ‘Shradh’ ceremonies for (Akal mrityu), are performed here only, said a member of the management committee.

This sacred pilgrimage site is one of only three places in the country, where rituals are conducted for the salvation of souls of unnatural deaths. The significance of the site and its unique rituals, such as Pind Dan and Shradh ceremonies, traditionally performed on the occasion of Shrawan every year, make Kapal Mochan a key destination for spiritual seekers.

The local management committee and district administration has chalked out strategy for the blissful celebrations of the festival with department wise responsibilities fixed. Advisor and President, Management Committee, expressed hope that a high influx of devotees is expected and are ready to provide all facilities to the visitors.

In anticipation of the festival, a sanitation drive was today conducted by the Department of Information where employees, Media persons and locals participated, underscoring the importance of cleanliness.

The focus of Sanitation Drive and Outreach interaction with the management committee was to draw attention to the significance of the place, and also amplifying its recognition as a significant tourist and pilgrimage destination. This initiative was a part of a broader effort to promote the district's lesser-known religious and cultural sites.

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). “His article, ‘When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.”.  Read the message here
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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